BANANA REPUBLIC

Summer Fab Series – Pattern Mixing

August 7, 2014

As promised, here is part 2 of my 3 part Summer Fab Series. I’m sure a lot of people have moved past pattern mixing but I am still going strong. For me, it’s really just another way to pair clothes – of course paisley goes with polka dots! I actually really like the way pattern mixing challenges my outfit planning and I’m always looking for new combinations – even though really, at the end of the day it’s floral, stripe, polka dot, animal print, paisley, rinse repeat.So, here we go, a few of my favorite summer pattern mixing outfits.

First up…stripes on stripes

Purse: Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote

Stripes and polka dots are the two patterns that you can pair up a little more easily. I love the simple navy and green combination and the different width stripes added more interest to this outfit.

Sweater : J.Crew (last year) / Skirt: J.Crew Pencil Skirt in Colorblock Stripe / Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Next up…triple pattern mix. I love paisley and stripes…and paisley and polka dots…so I decided to go for all three! I kept it “toned down” by adding the navy cardigan. I love this Tory Burch cardigan because it’s like having some fun jewelry on my cardigan!

Cardigan : Tory Burch Simone Cardigan / Blouse: J.Crew (old), similar here / Necklace: J.Crew Pearl Hammock Necklace / Skirt: J.Crew Factory (old), similar here and / Heels: J.Crew Factory Isabelle Pumps

Here’s another similar look with the same color scheme:

Blouse: J.Crew / Skirt: J.Crew Factory (old) / Necklace: J.Crew Floating Gems Necklace/ Shoes: J.Crew Everly Metallic Pumps (similar here)

And yet another variation…paisley and stripes

Blazer: J.Crew Chambray Schoolboy Blazer (similar here) / Blouse : J.Crew Moonglow Paisley Blouse / J.Crew Factory Isabelle Pumps / Necklace: J.Crew Inspired via Groopdealz

And last but not least…probably my favorite pattern mix of the summer…floral and stripe. I’ll admit, it’s been quite a few years since I’ve been in to any florals but this Cove floral blouse caught my eye this year and it’s been fun to style.

Blouse: J.Crew Sleeveless Drapey Top in Cove Floral / J.Crew Stripe Pencil skirt (similar from Factory here)/ Necklace: J.Crew Circular Petals Necklace / Shoes: Banana Republic Carter Flat

So, there you have it, a few of my favorite summer pattern mixing looks! What do you think? Any favorites? Too many patterns? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

A Peek at Spring

March 20, 2014

I’ll be honest, I really didn’t pay much attention to the fact that today is the first day of spring. I signed on to Instagram and saw all of the bright springy outfits as I watched the snow fall outside. So, I’m going to share with you my outfit from yesterday which was a much more spring like outfit than what I decided to wear today. As much as I love my bright colors I have a feeling I’m going to be stocking up on pastels this seasons. My first pastel purchase for the spring was the J.Crew Lightweight Merino Tunic Sweater in Heather Lavender. I’m liking the longer sweater/top trend this season so I thought I would try this one out as I had seen a few positive reviews online. I took a medium which is my almost always sweater size in J.Crew, it has a loose fit, and is a bit swingy with two side slits. You definitely need a shirt underneath as the lighter color is fairly sheer and the side slits definitely show my sides. Nobody needs to see that. I just layered a lightweight tank underneath. I liked this sweater because it’s a slimmer cut of the swing style of sweater and I don’t feel huge in it like I have in some of the other oversized sweaters that are out right now. Don’t need to be adding any pounds!

Sweater: J.Crew Lightweight Merino Tunic Sweater in Heather Lavender / Pants: Banana Republic (Winter 2013) / Necklace: J.Crew Geo Fan Necklace / Shoes: J.Crew Everly Mirror Metallic Pumps

This necklace totally escaped me when it was out this last winter, but I received it as a birthday gift and I am finding it to be so versatile. Here’s a closeup:

So, there you have it, a quick sneak peek at spring! My spring purchases are rolling in…I’m ready to pack away the sweaters and get on with it! So what do you think of the outfit? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

Pops of Color

March 16, 2014

I had a week of spring-like outfits laid out in all of my optimistic glory and a mid-week blizzard dashed those hopes. I’ll be honest, I was feeling a little blah by mid-week and in an attempt to not wear all neutrals, decided to pop some color in to my otherwise seemingly tame outfits. Here’s a look at a few of my neutral-centric outfits that I took to the next “level” with a pop of color!

First up, blizzard day:

Sweater, Blouse, Shoes: J.Crew / Pants: Banana Republic / Necklace: Purple Peridot / Watch: Michael Kors / Bracelets (l to r): Groopdealz, J.Crew Factory, Groopdealz, Kate Spade

This polka dot cashmere J.Crew sweater is probably one of my favorite items in my closet. The Blythe blouse in shocking pink is a lot on it’s own but paired under the sweater and adding the Cece flats as well as a bright bangle…a few perfectly placed pops of pink and I was ready to brave the snow! (I wear boots to/from work of course! No bare ankles outdoors!) We were sent home from work due to the blizzard so I only got to wear this for a few hours. I’ll definitely be recreating this one again! It was pretty cold that day so I added my J.Crew Wool tipped blazer – here’s a closet up with the necklace. The necklace really tops the whole outfit off!

Next up…yellow! On the flip side, I really don’t own or wear a lot of yellow but I do have a few neon pieces from last year and I’m glad to see the trend returning this year for a second season. I recently ordered the Banana Republic Carter Flats in Sunshine Yellow and had them laid out to wear with a more spring-like outfit. Well, I woke up Thursday feeling a bit blah so opted for my cozy but fabulous J.Crew Chandelier Sweatshirt, Banana Republic Sloan pants in navy, J.Crew Keeper Chambray Shirt and the flats. Love! And of course, I added a pendant necklace.

So, there you have it. A few outfits transformed with a bit of color. What do you think? Too much? Not enough? Just right? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

Black and White

February 11, 2014

Maybe it’s all of the snow outside, maybe it’s just the simplicity – black and white has been a weekly staple for me this last month. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some brights. But as I’ve said before, neutrals are always a comforting change and lately I’ve been gravitating towards the bold but easy black and white. Here’s a few of my recent black and white outfit faves – from work to date night!

First up…work looks! I picked this Merona blazer up for a mere $11 at my local Target after seeing it on the masses on Instagram. It’s still available online for $24 but it might be worth a look at your local Target’s clearance rack…$10.98 in store! This is the second Merona blazer I’ve purchased this year and I am loving it! For some reason, I had the worst time pairing this one…it’s actually ivory, not white with black dots/trip. This outfit started as a black cashmere turtleneck and my Banana Republic slim cropped Martins for an exceptionally cold and early morning. I’ll be honest, I originally wanted to wear a black turtleneck and pants because I had to be to work so early…but I just couldn’t do it. Somehow I worked in this blazer and J.Crew inspired necklace I picked up from Groopdealz. The bracelet is the real deal J.Crew crystal rosette bracelet. And well, another excuse to wear the bow heels, why not?

I am in love with this necklace. At first I thought it was too big but…then I asked myself why I would ever think such a thing.

Necklace: Ameera Noor via Groopdealz / Blazer: Target / Turtleneck: Ann Taylor

Bracelet: J.Crew

And another work outfit…trying to rock these awesome Banana Republic Sloan pants again…which I paired with a J.Crew Blythe blouse and J.Crew leather pocket sweater.

Jewels are J.Crew…quickly becoming one of my favorite necklace stacks. These J.Crew Pearls are a staple in my wardrobe!

And the bracelets…J.Crew crystal triangle bracelet, Kate Spade bangle, J.Crew Factory link bracelet.

And can’t forget the shoes…my J.Crew Factory steal…these J.Crew Retail Martinas hiding as Factory Sylvia Patent Leather Wedges for $32

And finally…an outfit for a night out! No full shot because I was taking pictures in the evening…loving these triangle pairs! Blouse is the J.Crew Lace-trim swiss-dot top, a surprise love for me! My only complaint about this top is that it buttons up the back…and the buttons are a little flimsy. I wore this outfit when I was out with some friends last week and a random lady walked up to me to tell me half my blouse was undone. Oops. Might have to look at stitching this shut.

So there you have it…no color but some great basics. What do you think? Fine as is, or do I need a pop of color? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

More Layers

February 6, 2014

Hi there! I checked the extended forecast today and as much as I want to think about spring…we’ve got a little ways to go around here. So, since I’ve decided to do the Closet Remix challenge for February which means no new clothes, shoes or jewelry…I’m getting the most out of my winter outfits!! With the cold temperatures lingering I am still all about the layers (I don’t think I have much choice!) So here’s a few of my favorites from the last few weeks:

I found this cashmere J.Crew sweater on eBay a few weeks ago and had to have it – I don’t wear a ton of argyle (not sure I totally love it on my chest but I’m embracing ME). It has a hint of pink and coordinated perfectly with my J.Crew Blythe blouse in shocking pink. Shocking pink is exactly the color of this blouse – it is BRIGHT. Just the way I like it. I paired with my Banana Republic ankle Jackson pants and the Crystal Cluster Necklace from Purple Peridot (J.Crew Factory inspired). Silver shoes were the finishing touch. I’m seriously starting to think that I am going to need a backup pair of these mirror pumps!

Sweater, Blouse, Shoes: J.Crew / Pants: Banana Republic / Necklace: Purple Peridot

Another layer! Finished it up with a trusty J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer

And my arm candy courtesy of J.Crew Factory, Kate Spade and Tiffany’s

This was one of my favorite winter outfits – cozy and cute!

Sweater, Pants, Shoes : Banana Republic / , Blouse: J.Crew / Necklace: Purple Peridot

How great is this necklace? Another Purple Peridot stunner!

And my J.Crew Crystal Triangle Bracelet which was a surprise love.

Oh and here’s when I decided I could wear a sweatshirt to work if worn the right way. J. Crew has taught me that such things are acceptable. And I think under a preppy blazer and a girly blouse underneath…you can totally get away with it.

Of course if you get up close you see it’s a sweatshirt but come on…look at those cute bows!

I want to wear this outfit again!! With another month of winter (at least…) I think this might have to go in the rotation one more time.

And finally…another weekend look in which I (probably foolishly) protest a coat. Sadly the weather turned to miserable rain as I was out but lucky I had my Hunter boots to keep my feet dry.

Sweater, Shirt: J.Crew / Vest: Coldwater Creek / Jeans: Gap / Boots: Hunter / Necklaces: J.Crew & Purple Peridot

So there you go, some of my recent layers! What do you think? Can I pull off a sweatshirt at work? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!

Birthday Fab

January 27, 2014

In the midst of our latest winter storm warning, I celebrated a birthday this past weekend. Here’s my birthday looks as well as a peek at my birthday gift 🙂 It was a cold and windy weekend with a fair amount of snow. But I still had a great weekend – met my mother-in-law for lunch during the day on Saturday and then Saturday evening went out with friends. Despite the snowy weather, it was a wonderful weekend, and I always enjoy celebrating my birthday! First up is my lunch look, however weather dictated that the shoes were a no-go, but like I said on my Instagram page…let’s just pretend!

Jeans/Blouse/Shoes: J.Crew, Sweater: Banana Republic, Bag: Kate Spade (outlet)

This is one of those outfits that I think describes me perfectly – basics with pops of color. This shade of pink and purple are some of my favorites and mixing them with a few classic patterns – windowpane and leopard, was a perfect combination. I will probably modify this outfit to wear to work I loved it so much! Here’s a closeup of these gorgeous shoes, the J.Crew Martina Wedge in calf hair. I took my usual 1/2 size up in these shoes. I’m sad they had to stay home since it was so snowy out, but I’ll be wearing these in the office until the weather improves outdoors. I was also excited to recently find this shade of pink at Banana Republic – they call it wild orchid and it is a perfect magenta hot pink.

And here’s what I really looked like bundled up to go outside! (yes, I put a coat on). Scarf: Free People / Gloves: J.Crew (old). Bracelets: J.Crew, Kate Spade, Tiffany’s, Groopdealz

We have a local store where I live that lets you pick out one item for 40% off on your birthday…no brand restrictions. So…this is usually how I pick out my birthday present! I had a few things in mind this year, I looked at the watches as well as shoes, but finally settled on the Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote which I’ve had my eye on. After seeing it in real life, the decision was a no-brainer. It will be a great spring/summer neutral!

And finally, here’s my outfit (again, had to swap the flats for boots) to go out to dinner with DH and then meet our friends out for drinks. I am lucky to have great family and friends and wonderful people to spend birthdays with! It was a great weekend. I could use one more day to the weekend!!

Blouse & Jeans: J.Crew / Necklace: Ameera Noor (J.Crew inspired) / Blazer: Cynthia Rowley via Marshall’s / Shoes: Old Navy / Bag: Banana Republic

I had grand plans to pick out a brand new outfit but that just didn’t happen – wanted to wear the blouse so swapped out the necklace and added my faux-leather sleeve blazer (via Marshall’s) and a fun bag. So what do you think of my birthday weekend outfits? Would love to hear what you think and thanks for visiting!